SDCC - COMIC CON

San Diego Comic Con International - No words can describe it. That's Dustin Nguyen on my left, me in the middle (aka "White Mark) and Joe Dodd. Three biggest studds in a building of 200,000 geeks! And still none of us got laid...

Happy Easter

Well here it is Easter Sunday and what better day to resurrect something like a blog! It has been a really long time and so much has gone on that I am not sure where to begin. Let me recap

1) I am still in Savannah, still going to school, still not make art the way I want to...but I am learning

2) I went to New York a few months ago and I now have an internship with Rolling Stone this summer.

3) I need a place to live in New York for a few months so that I can do the internship, if you know anyone please help me out

4) I am now a member of SCAD's Security Department. I have a radio, a bike, a uniform and I fight crime. It is almost like Batman

5) I am knee deep in homework that I haven't started because I work from 6 pm to 2 am, fighting crime on the mean streets of Savannah.

6) Did I mention that I am totally unarmed?

7) I have to go to the bathroom...so this will end this post. Look for more coming soon!

Nuts

At the behest of my friend Steve, I have decided to post something. I know it has been ages since I wrote and to all my loyal readers I thank you for your patience. So what's new? Jackshit but I do have a few stories to tell...

First off, the other day I was in my room chatting on the computer late at night as I am want to do, when I hear my father yell in pain from down the hall. Now my father goes to bed at 9 pm sharp everyday, and it was rougly 1 am. He has been asleep for 3 hours with no incident and suddenly I hear him yelp. I figure he is either having a nightmare or someone is giving him a good pummelling. So, like a good son I wait 10 minutes before I walk down the hall to investigate. As I enter my parent's room, I find my mom sitting up in bed adjusting her pillow. In my sternest voice I said "What is going on in here?" My mother then informed that while she was getting into bed she hit my father square in the "testicles" and woke him up from a very deep sleep. Well I had all I could do from falling to the floor in hsyterical laughter. I promptly made sure my father was ok, before turning around and walking down the hall with my hands over my mouth doing everything I can from letting my evil sinister kackle of a laugh from escaping. It was at this point that I realized just how funny my parents are and they have no clue.

In other news, I am concerned with two things lately. My skills as a designer/illustrator are directly related to my self-discipline to get up everyday and go to work. I have found this virtually impossible to do since coming home for break. I am not sure how to change this bad habit of mine but I think it may just be a case of forcing myself to work until it becomes uncontrollable habit.
My other concern is the coming presidential election. I find politics interesting and I have friends on both sides of the fence when it comes to conservativism vs. librelism. My own political views tend to match my mood swings and I just hope that at some point in my life that I earn enough money to live free and clear of such things. Anyway, I am concerned that Hillary Clinton could become the democratic front runner for President. THIS IS BAD. I don't like her and I don't trust her. Unfortunately it appears as if she is the only Dem with the means and experience to be a credible threat to the Repbulicans. This really makes my skin crawl. Now I am not a tried and true dem, nor am I dyed in the wool republician. But I do feel it is time for a change and that having a Democrat for a President is a good way to go. BUT NOT IF IT IS CLINTON. On the republicain side of the fence we have Rudy Giuliani and John McCain. Both of whom I feel are good men and good leaders. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to what they have to say nor would I put Hillary Clinton in the White House over either of them. Now, Newt Gingrich was on Meet the Press this morning. I liked some of the things he had to say and seeing him outside of the limelight you get a clearer picture of who he might actually be. That being said, I don't necessarily see myself supporting him for a presidential nod however, I think he would be a good person to have back on capital hill or even in the white house in an advisory role. This brings me to Barak Obama. He seems to be making good waves and currently is the only threat to Hillary Clinton. I like Obama. I think he is a representative of a new generation of politicians. It is time the Baby Boomers retired and let us take over and I think Obama is a good person to lead the charge. Do I like him as a Presidential candidate? I am not sure. It is true that he is a junior senator, only serving a mere two years. He has also never served in the military or has had any security experience. Now that being said, Bill Clinton never served in the military and he seemed to do a good job, although I still hold him responsible for not killing Bin Laden when he had the change. But on the otherside of the fence we have current President Bush who did serve in the National Guard (although I would argue his service record is NOT something to be proud of) but that clearly does not make him a security expert. My conclusion to this dilemma would be to hear who Obama would choose for his military advisors. Now if he did something along the lines of choosing Gen. Wesley Clark or even John McCain to assist in such matters I would feel much stronger about him as a Presidential candidate.

So in conclusion the only thing I am willing to say about the upcoming election is that no matter who runs, I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. I don't care who she is running against, I do not trust her and I do not feel she is fit to lead. I am sure I will get some grief for it, something along the lines of "You just don't want a woman president" and I would argue that I have no problem with a woman president, just not that woman. But Clinton aside, what woman in politics right now would make a strong presidential candidate?

Another quarter down

Another quarter is completed and I am looking to make Dean's list again. I think while I am home on winter break I am going to attempt look for both internships and scholarships for the remainder of my art school career. Otherwise nothing much is new. My parents and I are celebrating Thanksgiving outside of Rhode Island this year for the first time ever. The last few years I have "boycotted" Thanksgiving because it was my least favorite holiday. This year my parents decided they were going to come down and spend the holiday with me in South Carolina. So far I have to say it has been a pretty interesting trip. I don't have time now but I will post again soon about the duck.

It is all about the duck

M.

It kind of looks like me

So I had to do a self portrait for life drawing class. I have never had good luck drawing real people let alone myself. However, this one shows some improvement I think. Thanks to Jess Burton who took the nice pictures of me that this drawing was based on.
The drawing took about 3-4 hours, which is pretty damn fast for me. When it was just like it looked pretty good, but then as I started to add value I had a really hard time determining my lips. At one point it looked like I was wearing lipstick, now I just look like Mic Jagger.
Oh well, just can't get no satisfaction...

Newspaper

I have started writing for the District. That is the student newspaper at SCAD. So far it has been a pretty positive experience. My first article just appeared recently and I am hoping to get a picture of the issue up on the blog soon. Other than that, I am busy with school and trying not to end up in the poor house. More to follow...

Underfire

I know I know, I promised to write more than I have been but school is in full swing and it takes a lot of time. Anyway, what is new with me? For those of you who don't know I have been issued a non-official ceist and decist from Lockheed Martin Corporation. Lockheed Martin is the company that makes all the really cool jets for the US Military, as well as spy satellites and other goodies I will probably never get to play with. Anyway, they sent me an email concerning my website that was under development (http://www.digitalskunkwerks.com) saying that my domain name was in violation of trademark and copyright laws. Why you say? Here is a brief history
During the 1930's and later, Lockheed Martin developed a special projects division. Over the years, this is where they would develop various stealth planes and fighters, etc. One of the engineers there was interviewed and called the special projects division the "Skonk Works" after a joke from a popular comic, Lil Abner, by Al Capp. The name stuck and eventually Lockheed Martin patented certain versions of the term. The term "Skunk Works" is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin; the company also holds several registrations of it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. They have filed several challenges against registrants of domain names containing variations on the term under anti-cybersquatting policies.

So what does that have to do with me? I got a letter from the law firm that represents Lockheed Martin, citing there was an issue with my skunkwerks and that they would like to have a word with me. So they sent me several pieces of paper, listing all the variations of skunkworks they own. NOT ON THE LIST was my digitalskunkwerks.com, however being of very little means I can't really fight Lockheed Martin and have agreed to give up the name so that they can take possesion of it. They inturn have agreed to pay me the $15 dollars I paid to register the name.

However, what really irks me is that I haven't infringed on their trademark, at least I don't think I have. Furthermore I had no intent of selling the domain name so the "cybersquatting" stuff is just bunk. But this is a perfect example of why being poor sucks. Basically I can't tell them to piss off because I don't have the money to afford the legal team to tell them to piss off. On another note, it probably isn't the best idea to tell a company that makes stealth jets and bombs to piss off.

Giving up the name is no big deal other than the fact I really liked the name and thought it would be a cool name for my personal website. However, now I have to deal with Godaddy.com who I registered the domain with and somehow work the various transition steps so that Lockheed and gain possession of the name. THAT is probably the biggest pain in the ass regarding this whole issue, cause it isn't like I just email them the deed to the cyber-property. No there are procedures that have to be followed and buttons to be clicked. All of which I don't understand nor have the patience for.

Alas, just another day in the great big world ...

Fall again

This is the beginning of what I hope will be a series of consistent posting by me. I have started school again after a rather restful summer of doing nothing. I had my first class today and I think my professor is a good one. However, only time will tell if my hunch is right.
I have been rather neglectful of the blog for a while and I am really going to try to make a concerted effort to have weekly updates if not daily. I have a bunch of cool pictures to post from my trip to Chicago as well as my vacation back in Rhode Island and my trip to Boston.
This quarter looks to be an interesting one and a busy one. Not only will I be working on portfolio projects but I will also be writing for the school paper. I am not sure how this is going to work but I hope everything will pan out. For those of you who don't know I am now unemployed and very concerned about finding work. Much to my shame I have grown accustomed to living a certain way and not having any income really screws that up. So we shall see, I have a couple of places I am looking to apply for part time positions and with any luck it will all work out.
Ok that is enough for me tonight, keep your eyes peeled for more exciting updates! ;)

mark

Learning the ropes of web development...

http://digitalskunkwerks.com/tool

Check out this site, it is my first foray into real web design! Tell me what you think!

M

Vector Graphics...

So I am back in school taking accelerated courses. My usual 10 weeks of hell has been crammed into 5. I have two of these classes back to back everyday from noon to about 9 pm. On top of that it is the same teacher (who is cool as hell) but it still makes for a long day. Yet somehow, I have realized that I am 100 times happier when I am doing work for school...which leads me to believe, I am a work-a-holic. Why shouldn't I be!? I come from a family of work-a-holics and I am an American. We as a nation are notorious for not taking vacation or using leisure time to improve our lives. I feel so patriotic my sphincter is winking!
In all seriousness though, it is true. I am not happy unless I am neck deep in projects. Which is really sad because when I think of how I spent my vacation lying on the couch watching TV that I realize how miserable I was making myself. The less time I am given to think and the more time I am made to concentrate on work the more fulfilled I feel (provided my work comes out great, otherwise...)
So there it is, I have become something I never thought I would. I use to laugh at all my friends who would work insane hours and just keep hitting the books...and now I am one of them. The only upside to this is the more that I work, then perhaps the better my skills will get and I will get that much closer to obtaining an amazing job in which I do absolutely nothing and get paid for it. Ah...the irony

Taaffe

TAAFFE, CHRISTINE M.
On Friday, May 5, 2006, CHRISTINE M. TAAFFE of Chevy Chase, MD. Beloved daughter of Richard (Nancy) and Jean Taaffe; loving sister of Jaclyn Taaffe; and stepsister of Mark (Mari) Pratt and Julie (Shawn) Beichler; and loving companion Mark Baker. Also survived by loving grandparents Ed and Eleanor Soner and Antoinette Taaffe; many aunts, uncles and cousins. On Monday, May 8, friends are invited to call at JOSEPH GAWLERS SONS, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, from 3 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3810 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20016, on Tuesday, May 9. Interment private.
Published in The Washington Post on 5/8/2006.

Christine was one of the first people I met my freshmen year at American University. She lived across the hall from me for two years in the terrace of Anderson Hall. She always had a smile on her face and would brighten a room with her presence. One of my fondest memories of Christine, or "Taaffe" as everyone called her, was during my sophomore year. For whatever reason the two of us were sitting in the lounge on the terrace and started chatting. We ended up talking till the sun came up before we both went to bed and then class. I was exhausted the next day but never once did I regret staying up all night talking with her. She was always having fun and laughing and had an endless supply of energy that was truly amazing to see. Christine was one of those people that if you were having a bad day you could go talk to. It is because of her that I met and started one of my greatest friendships. Meeting Alexis Lantz changed my time at college for the better in many ways and she is one person I am thankful to have in my life. But I never would have met her if it wasn't for Christine. As I sit and write this I am reminded of something I heard once, that each one of us gives everyone we meet a gift. Sometimes those gifts are wonderful and other times you would like to return them. Christine gave many gifts to many people. The love and laughter she gave to her friends and family is just one example. I would like to think that her gift to me was friendship, both her friendship with me and the friendship I have with Alexis. But her parting gift was to remind me of how very precious those friendships are. Thank you, Christine, sometimes I am forgetful.
After we both graduated from AU we would occasionally cross paths. It was a running joke between us that we would always live near each other because after we both graduated we ended up living in the same apartment complex and then later across the street from each other. Well this time Christine you have gone to a place were I can't follow you. A better place to be sure, one where your smile, laughter and warm heart will be most welcome. While I am sad that you have passed on, I am grateful for having known you. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends. You will be missed, but never ever forgotten.

MRG

Lazy days with Caz and Copper...

Well today I decided to just take it easy and not do a damn thing. Every now and again I think I need to do that. I have been fighting this cold/cough now for a week, a pulled muscle, and looming deadlines. Well the deadlines have been met, the muscles is healing, and the cough is coming and going. So today I figured I would just chill out and lounge around the house. I definitely got some good napping in and I do find it necessary to withdraw from my fellow man every now and again just to relax and clear my head. But this was a special day for two reasons.
The first being that I found the new issue of Copper came out! Since going to school at SCAD I have been exposed to more than the traditional comic fare and web comics are very unique and abounding. One of my favorites is Copper by Kazu Kibuishi. He runs a great site over at Boltcity.com and it is definitely worth checking out. I think he has one of the best webcomics out right now and the way he presents it is also enjoyable. So take a look!
The other reason today was special was that my buddy Caz sent me three CD's via FedEx today. For those of you not in the know Caz is a pop culture guru and music is one of his specialties. Be it a question about music or a band, he generally knows it. So I asked him not too long ago to make a mix he would use if he were to go to the gym. Well this expanded into three CD's, one for work, one for play and as he puts it "one for being a badass". Now it is a bit early to tell but I have a feeling that these three albums may go down in history as some of the best mixes ever created by human hand. The "Green Album" aka as Merkle at Play is my favorite so far. But now I am going to lay down and listen to more tunes...Good day to you all
M.

Birdhouse from Hell...

I just can't win some days. This weekend I have spent an insane amount of time working on building my birdhouse. Designing this thing was clearly the easy part. Not matter what I did this weekend, nothing on this project has done right. My biggest challenge is that I have many angles and trying to get the corners to meet flush is virtually impossible. I have bigger than the Marianas Trench! Plus the material that I am using is frustrating. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is easy to manipulate and forgiving but the complexity of my design is leaving me with pieces that just don't fit. I am really frustrated at this point. I sort of feel that the facutly know how to do what I am trying to do but won't tell me. I have ZERO building experience and once again I am faced with the reality that while my design is cool and possibly effective I don't have skills to see it through to the end. I am constantly changing things to meet my deadline and because I just have NO idea how to building what I drew. I am sure there is some equation out there that would help me but I have neither the time and that patience at this point to research. Why couldn't the shop monitors or my instructors just tell me how to do it? How does one calculate the angles so that the sides meet flush?
On top of all this I have caught a cold. Not sure how or where it came from (although I have my suspicions) but it is really annoying. The sore throat especially. The other morning I woke up and felt like I had sand in the back of my throat and no matter how much water I drank it would NOT go away. At this point I have a typography and my birdhouse project to get done and all I want is to get them done. I don't care how they look at this point...I am sick, tired and frustrated.
Ah well, this too shall pass...
M.

Look out squirrels!

Just a quick post in between assignments. The above is a model of a design I am working on for a squirrel proof bird feeder. Yes there are "squirrel proof" feeders already out on the market. But then tend to be unattractive, non-functioning, violent, or just plain stupid. I am attempting to keep the squirrels alive but hungry and the birds have a place to go to hang out, drink, pick up chicks, etc etc. I have some design considerations that I will toy with when production actually comes underway (which will be VERY soon). For now though it is Typography Time...WEEEEEEEEEEE!

I am the white rabbit...

The new quarter has started and it looks to be a fulfilling one. I am taking intro to industrial design and I have two projects in the class. THAT IS IT! TWO! So if I screw it up, I am going to be SOL. The first one is to design a birdhouse/feeder and as it stands right now I have a few ideas, but they are top secret. I am also taking typography which for those of you not in the know is the study of TYPE not land formations. It is a microcosim of anal retentive line weights, angling, serifs, and what have you...looks to be fun as much as a headache. Then I have Survey of Sequential Art which is a History of Comic Books...with possibly the craziest professor I have ever had.

Aside from that life is good. My Aunt and Uncle were in town and it was nice to visit with them. I have suddenly snapped back into a getting up early schedule and did so unconsciously which scares the hell out of me for two reasons. One, I might be getting old and two I might start keeping the same hours as my father who gets up entirely too early. Last quater was a blast and there was one or two potential love interests that just completely died out. I am realizing that I quite possibly have the emotional maturity of a 6 year old and that perhaps I am unrelationshipable. No, that is not a word. Yes I realize that.

Anyway, one of my co-workers showed me this link and introduced me to my buddy the White Rabbit. I think it is pretty freaking hysterical, I hope you do too. I think me and the Rabbit need to go have some drinks and share in our bachelorhood.
Right...back to homework.
M.

I can't believe it has beeen more than a month...

Since I last wrote. I can tell you that the final month of school is right about when final projects and exams start rearing their ugly faces. I have to admit that not since my first quarter at school have I been overwhelmed with final projects. My first quarter I think it was larger due to my inexperience. Being out of school for so long and then going back in and studying something completely "foreign" and in a manner to which I am not accustomed (the quarter system). This time I think it had more to do with the high expectations I placed on myself and that I really wanted to produce some good work. It some way I succeeded and in some ways I failed. Hemingway used to talk about his writing process by saying he would file everything down to a fine polished gem (or something like that). Essentially he would write a book and then edit it until he felt it was perfect. The old adage why use two words when one will do applies appropriately. I feel this quarter saw the start of a lot of good ideas, a lot of exploration in both graphic design and sequential art. Alternative materials and new techniques were definitely used in a lot of my projects. But what didn't happen was the filing down to a polished gem bit. I still feel like a lot of my work was/is very rough and I still have miles to go before my drawing is anywhere near professional. But I guess you have to crawl before you can run...In this case the gap is more like I need to be born before I can fly!
All in all I had a great quarter, the craziness of finals aside, this was my best quarter yet. I got a 4.0 for the first time in my life at the college level. Now there are always those who talk about grade inflation and easier graders and all that nonsense. My response is "piss off!" I got a 4.0 and I freaking earned it. I did it while working at a job that has started to become a real grind and eats up a lot of my weekend time. Not my going out on the town partying time (I don't have ANY of that), no I am referring to get my work done during the weekend time for the next week time. This of course means that as soon as the quarter ends I go nuts, drink myself into oblivion and spend lots of money on food and video games and DVD's. I don't really buy books anymore (which is really depressing) because I never finish them fast enough and then the quarter starts and I never pick them up again.
Aside from schoolwork and grades though this quarter has made me realize that I really need to start exercising on a regular basis. I am getting freaking fat! Not entirely my fault though. During finals you eat whatever isn't moving and is cheap and you sit your ass in a seat for hours on end. My buddy Kelsey was in building for a full 24 hours without sleep. I came close to that a few times. My problem usually stems from me trying to do something new like scan in my artwork and mess with it digitally. Of course that means I have to find a scanner big enough, provided no one else is on it. Oh, and that it works! So things like that, that should only take 45 minutes end up taking several hours.
This short vacation that is rapidly coming to end has seen me procrastinate on cleaning my house and do nothing but stuff my face and play video games (I finally broke down and bought a PS2). So tonight, instead of going out...Or maybe before going out, I will clean this house from top to bottom. Mind you it won't be Martha Steward clean, but I won't feel like I am in a cess pool.
Look for artwork to make it's way up on this blog. I know I keep saying that but I also foresee a lot more of my work ending in a digital format, which will make it easier.
M.
PS. I saw V for Vendetta over the break. While it wasn't as good as the book but it was definitely worth seeing. If I ever go crazy again I want to go crazy like V.

March of the SInister Ducks

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but this might be one of the best songs ever written. check out the link and let me know what you think! Remeber, click on the title of the post...
M.

I gotta get me one of these!

This is the future and it is so freaking cool! You have to check this out! This info courtesy of Kazu @ Boltcity.com
Click on the title of the post to check out the link!

Nothing but nothing

Ok just finished watching Lost. I love that show but man the cliffhangers! Anyway, I am not sure if I ever posted about what my classes are this quarter. I have Introduction to Graphic Design which is key for me seeing as how that is my major. So far it is pretty fun class. My professor is awesome. She is from Brazil and talks really really fast. She also says the most off color things. For example "I am from South America, I know all about corrupt police..." or "Picasso's work is all about him shagging!" This is most entertaining. I also have History of Graphic Design which is only bearable because the Professor is an outstanding lecturer. Otherwise it is your standard art history fair and well...that sucks. Then I have Intro to Sequential which proving to be my favorite class but also incredibly frustrating. The class is all guys so the testosterone is through the roof and everything is a dirty joke. It is sort of surreal too because I am older than my professor. This has led to my class nickname of "Grandpa". Yeah, I get all the chicks with that one.
Ok...that is it...back to work for me...I should have some artwork up soon. All types of comics and design projects. Keep your eyes peeled
M.

Valentine's

I figured I should post up something new because it is Valentine's Day and I don't want to be the only loser who doesn't do anything. Valentine's Day one of my least favorite holidays ever. Why? BECAUSE NOTHING EVER GOOD HAPPENS TO ME ON VALENTINE'S DAY! The only time I ever had a girlfriend on Valentine's Day she told me she cheated on me. Ain't that a pisser?
To be honest though, Valentine's Day only sucks if you are single. People that have significant others that complain about the holiday being fake and stuff almost always have a significant other. They are just being cheap and lazy. Not that I am not cheap and lazy, but the grass is always greener ya know?
So what did I do for Valentine's day? I treated myself to some sushi at what I thought was going to be a quiet little Japanese place near my house. I got there and the line was out the freaking door! Who knew red-necks like sushi?! So I waited a bit and sat at the bar, miffed that I want to celebrate this dreaded holiday by myself with some raw fish and instead it was a three ring circus of couples and young families "sharing the love". Makes my stomach turn more than eel!
There is a bit of light in my lonely existence, my woman returned to me. "What!?" you are saying to yourself, "He has a woman?" Yup, and her name is Marla. She is about two feet tall, porcelain white skin and is powered by a G5 processor at 1.5 Gigahertz. Yeah, I am talking about my IMac. I have a deep and loving relationship with my Mac and she is by far my longest relationship ever. Just over a year now we have been together and about two weeks ago she just shut down on me and went cold. I took her two the doctor and it seemed her ticker (power supply) was on the fritz. So after replacing it she is back to being very responsive and loving. How I missed Marla, my perfect woman! Although she is a little awkward to snuggle with, she is overall a great companion.
Seriously though, I am sort of frustrated. NOT the cold shower kind of frustrated, the tongue tied I can't talk around a certain someone frustrated. You know where every time you make a joke or say hello it comes out like you were just saved from drowning and it is nothing but water, phlegm, and gargles. Part of me is like, yeah I should not like this person, I have too much work to do and no time for this hullabaloo. But then I turn into a 13 year old where going to class means seeing her (and YES it is a her, jerks...) and then the pulse quickens and the stuttering and how's my white boy afro looking...and then zip...you just seize up like a catatonic and everything comes out monosyllabic, "Hi" "Food" "Pee".
I am rarely without words, be they clever or completely stupid, but this one makes me nervous. Or maybe it is more accurate to say I make myself nervous because of her...suddenly I care that I have a hole in my shirt and I haven't showered in two days...Ah well...I have a page that is due tomorrow for a class anthology and I haven't even started. The theme is insomnia, something I am infinitely familiar with...
Oh yeah, the art above is by Juvaun Kirby. Look him up, I don't know much about him but I do know this is sort of how I feel about Valentine's Day.